Beloved Math Teacher leaves final gift of opportunity

In her notable absence from University School of Nashville classrooms, a distinguished faculty leader and legendary math teacher is remembered by hundreds of alumni & colleagues and has given a gift to benefit generations of students & teachers for years to come.

Debbie Davies died on September 12, 2021 after battling cancer. She is survived by sons Michael Davies ’88 and Trefor Davies ’91 and her grandchildren, yet touched the lives of more than 2,000 students.

She joined USN in 1977 to teach High School mathematics. Over the next three decades, she built USN’s powerhouse Math Department and calculus program, wrote advanced textbooks, and graded Advanced Placement exams. Local news featured her discovery of an error in the Nashville Electric Service billing algorithm that caused overcharging.

In 1989, Davies received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and the honor came with $10,000 for USN to improve mathematics education.

Davies left behind a strong legacy at USN; thousands of students benefitted from her generous care and teaching skills, and generations of colleagues grew from her leadership and loyal friendship.

“If I were to be completely honest about Ms. Davies, outside of my mother and father no single person has made this much of an impact on my life. Nobody’s even close,” said Distinguished Alumnus Gideon Yu ’89 during his 2011 Convocation speech before presenting a check to establish the Debbie Davies Endowed Chair for Excellence in Teaching. It was a dramatic moment, and it answered the question posed by every teacher who has spent long after-school hours helping a student. Yes, such efforts make a difference. As she retired that year, Davies said she wanted “to stress how thankful I am for my time at USN. It is a wonderful place and has given me so many opportunities.”

For another decade, Davies continued to consult with USN faculty, lend a hand in math classes, and tutor High Schoolers, even working with a few students remotely during the 2020- 2021 school year.

“Our mom was fiercely devoted to USN and USN was equally devoted to her. It was very important to her that she acknowledge this special connection with USN in her will.” — Michael ’88 and Trefor ’91 Davies

USN held a memorial for her on November 14, 2021. While pandemic restrictions limited capacity in the Auditorium, more than 400 of her students and colleagues of years past watched the live-streamed service.

Davies designated in her will that a percentage of her assets be left to University School of Nashville. As you reflect on the many positive experiences that have shaped you and your family, we hope your fondest memories include PDS/USN and educators like

Future gifts include: gifts in your will or living trust; beneficiaries of your retirement plan, bank or brokerage account, or life insurance policy. To learn more about supporting USN’s future in the manner of Math Teacher Debbie Davies, visit usn.org/plannedgiving to discover the giving option matching your charitable goals or contact Director of Development Anne Westfall at 615-277-7495 or awestfall@usn.org.

Debbie Davies with Gideon Yu ’89 at Convocation 2011